Data flow diagrams (DFDs):

10/4/2022

Topics to be covered:

 Context diagram (level o) of DFD:

 Level 1 DFD:
 Level 2 DFD:

IT 140
 Data flow diagram (DFD):

A data flow diagram (DFD) shows how information flows within an information system. A
DFD is a representation of the data flow and does not imply the activity order. A DFD is a
model of a real-world business system represented through a hierarchy of abstracts through
leveling. Lower levels of a DFD reflect more detail, and higher levels of a DFD reflect less
detail. A logical system diagram describes the business events that take place and the data
required for each business event, focusing on what information is flowing and what
information is transmitted. A DFD will not go into technical (hardware and software) aspects
of the system; it will show inputs and outputs from external sources, showing the path of
data and how it flows through the system.

Prompt
For this activity, you need to create a data flow diagram reflective of the following:

 Your experience registering for a course and then following the process through
payment (or using financial aid).
o Access course catalog
o Review course options
o Select course to register for
o Complete registration
o Pay for course

Your DFD must include the listed processes and at least two sub processes (levels) within
two of the five main processes. Your diagram can reflect up to three levels: zero (the
context diagram), one (sub process), and two (functionality). The various levels of detail are:

 Level zero: Represents the overview of the entire system you are critiquing
 Level one: Breaks down the main functions of the system into smaller sub
processes
 Level two: Further breaks down sub processes of level one

Use the symbols from the Gane and Sarson symbol set needed to illustrate data flow within
your diagram:

 External entity = Square?

 Data flow = Arrow?
 Process = Rounded square?
 Data stored = Rectangle?
Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:

Data Flow Diagram: 

Your diagram must be completed without any missing components. It needs to show how
information flows within a system process. Remember: only DATA flows on data flows.

Hierarchical Leveling: 

Whether your diagram has one or three levels, it needs to illustrate how each level is broken
down into smaller business events.

Data Flow Notation:

 Your diagram should include accurate and appropriate data flow notation. Whenever you
are referring to a process, use a rounded square symbol. Whenever you are referring to
data that is being stored, use a rectangle. It depends on the business process, but you may
or may not have to use all Gane and Sarson symbols.

Logical System Functionality:

 Your diagram also needs to illustrate how business events are broken down into smaller
sub processes.
Answer:

Context diagram (level o) of data flow diagram:

Select Count Options Course catalog Review the course selected course student Centex
Reviews Search to ask Course pays through any Bank payment option Registration log-ins
System student Acknowledgment Registers the selected course Acknowledgment updates
in the DE delivers the receipt, Register Manager Database Payment Receipt.
Level 1 DFD:

Select the course Search Review of Course catalog Selection the course process display
the reviews to display courses Report suggest details other option Complete payment
process Registration Select bank option payment send the update mode acknowledgment
in database.
Level 2 DFD:

Select the Review of the course coaction searching display catalog Suggest other review
option Selected display Report concourse details Reviews Course Review Couse duration
payment Courses option Fees Bank payment option mode Registration process Bank
Name Net credit Bank defend the update in Acknowledgment Dale base course of
Database Mail Receipt.